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February 20, 2009

I know I said this in my last post, but it has been a really busy, crazy time for me. I have been working on a couple projects that are due next week. You have seen glimpses here and here. Working on these projects has had me a bit overwhelmed when combined with lots of work, a department move (came in to a new workspace today), taking care of my Pops and an intense desire to spend all my time crocheting. I know crocheting is just my way of procrastinating, but I had to give into it last night while watching a packed primetime on ABC. I crocheted up a few coasters out of leftover cotton yarn.

A couple are for my new desk... And one is for my friend Ang to brighten her new desk too.

I am liking circles so much I may have to try this for my next project.

February 09, 2009

This weekend I whipped up a few hugs from a tutorial on The Long Thread. I had made their felt faces a few weeks ago but hadn't gotten around to the rest until yesterday. All supplies were in my stash, so I think this qualifies as a Frugal Yet Fabulous Everyday project... and you could go a bit further too, The Long Thread made hers will all recycled materials!

They were fun and easy to make. I did have a little bit of a struggle with the arms, the first ones I made were a bit too small to turn and stuff, so I made them a little bigger. This probably had more to do with my lack of patience than anything about the pattern.

Another little hint, when pinning them together, make sure the little arms point up toward the top of the heart so they end up straight when you turn them inside out The first time around, their arms were pointing down and they didn't seem like they wanted to pass out hugs at all.

A fun little project for Valentines... I decided I have to keep this one for myself, even if he is sticking his tongue out at me like he knows I don't have a Valentine this year. Guess he'll have to do!

January 28, 2009

My first crochet project is all finished and surprise, it is a dishcloth! You all know that I love knitting dishcloths and now I can mix it up with crochet. It was a perfect way to practice and I really love the results. It took me a really long time to actually use my first knit dishcloth - I wonder how long it will take me to break down and use this one. For now, it is sitting pretty in my Gram's fiesta sweets compote.

Crochet class is canceled tonight - snow day (I measured 7.5 inches on my front porch this morning). This means I am going to have to venture out on my own to learn a new stitch to keep me busy for the next week... thank goodness I have my handy crochet book for reference.

And good news, I ordered a new camera yesterday, so pretty soon I will have better focused photos with more realistic color (the sweets compote is orange, well technically "red," but not quite on-fire orange) and less noise. Yay! I am really excited. It took me over a month to choose a camera. I wanted to make a frugal yet fabulous decision. I was torn between a less expensive model that would simple replace my old camera and a step up model that would give me the opportunity to grow a little, be happy for longer and hopefully stop my digital SLR lust. I chose the step up model and can't wait for it to be delivered.

January 20, 2009

Even better, toss your favorite lotion in the bath for a bit of added luxury. There is nothing better than warm fragrant lotion after a soak in the tub.

Makes me remember when my big sisters were in charge of my bath when I was little. I hated how they just used the cold lotion straight from the bottle and never warmed in their hands first like Momma did.

January 08, 2009

So, in my post yesterday I mentioned that taking a class is on my Crafty To Do List for 2009. Well, very unlike my typical procrastinating self, I signed up for a class. Last night I filled out my registration form, wrote my check and mailed it off!

Starting next week I will be taking a beginning knitting and crochet class at a local high school. It is part of an adult community education program that is a total bargain at $34 for 8 weeks. You can choose to either knit or crochet and I am going to use this opportunity to try to crochet. I haven't caught on yet, but I hope this class will be magic and I will be able to crochet away very soon. I already have a few projects in mind.

And best part is, I don't need to buy any supplies. I already have crochet hooks... and enough yarn in my stash to last me a very long time. And although I know it is a little early, but I already have them packed and ready.

January 07, 2009

Goodness, I can't believe I have been away from the computer for a week! It has been a really nice break... although I have to admit I did check my email and Reader through my phone a few times. I needed a little bit of time to recharge for the new year, reflect on 2008 and really think about my hopes and dreams for 2009. It was quite therapeutic, especially when mixed with a great visit from my niece Nicole who was in town before starting her last semester at VCU.

I decided a new year needs a new notebook, so I sprung for a nice graph paper moleskin to write my "resolutions" in. I also plan to carry the notebook with me so I can jot down ideas and inspiration along the way.

The first entry was a page devoted to my one little word for 2009: Grace. I came across this word when working through the book Style Statement last fall and fell in love with the books definition (more on my style statement soon - I promise). When I read about the one little word project, I knew Grace would be my word for the year. I think it really embodies much of what I am looking for, striving for and much of who I am at my best. So as my reminder to be true to it, it grabbed the first page in my new notebook.

The books definition of Grace is:

Greek mythology tells of sister Goddesses Joy, Charm and Beauty called the three graces. Graceful is poised and dignified and, at her best, is a giving, generous spirit who seeks to impart kindness and dignity. Love is her fuel; goodwill is her motivation and guide. Graceful prefers meaning and substance but will practice courtesy and compassion rather than forcing her views about a situation. Graceful has a sense of fit and propriety, a craving for balance and good form and proportion. She adores harmony and material and immaterial luxury—from finery to leisure. Rooted in feminine power, Graceful has a quiet and steady confidence. She endeavors to make everything special in the most considerate and ultimately charming ways, and she tends to make it all look effortless.

The second page of my new notebook holds my crafty to do list for 2009. I simplified my list to help me focus and not be overwhelmed by the sheer number of things I want to make.

My 2009 list includes:

sew more clothes, specifically a jacket

expand my machine embroidery knowledge

refresh my photography skills and set up a mini at home studio with good lighting

explore paper crafts

learn to free motion quilt

take a class

use my moleskin to track ideas, inspiration, write to do lists etc.

My notebook also holds some brainstorming on how to bring my Frugal Yet Fabulous Everyday! mission to life, but it is still a work in progress. I am happy to have so much support on this journey - thanks to everyone for the comments, they really help keep me motivated.

December 31, 2008

I really can't believe it is New Years eve and that tomorrow I am going to have to start writing 2009 instead of 2008 - goodness, that will take me weeks, maybe months to get used to. The transition into a new year is always a little difficult for me. I both love and hate the self reflection that the new year brings. Sometimes thinking over the past year makes me a little sad and depressed - even when I try to focus on the positive, I know deep down there were things I didn't accomplish and goals I didn't achieve. This happens around my birthday too. I guess it is just part of being a thinker and a feeler.

I constantly have to work at pulling myself out of this way of thinking. Lists help with this. I am constantly writing lists - to do lists, accomplishment lists, wishes, dreams etc. I find listing even the smallest of accomplishments can help pull me out and up because I can see the small things add up right in front of my eyes. This year with as hard as it has been, my accomplishment list is pretty long. Many of the negatives have pushed me to make positives and have shown me that I am so much stronger than I imagined.

As I look at my list (it is still in process and I may share more later as I decide on my resolutions) I can't help but notice a couple themes, one of which many of you really seemed to respond to and relate to - using creativity and simplicity to frugally, yet fabulously create a positive life experience.I shared this with you over the holidays when I on budget and while trying to use what I had on hand tried my best to create a holiday full of love and tradition for my family and friends. It was officially only a few short weeks and with a few small projects, but as I look back on the year I saw it as a recurring theme in my life. A theme that I think we might all need for 2009 - getting back to simplicity, using what we have, spending smartly, honoring tradition, sharing gratitude, creating joy and spurring growth.

So, I have decided that for me, 2009 is going to be the year of Frugal Yet Fabulous Everyday! Anyone care to join me?

Single badge in the side-bar if you would like to use one. More on my resolutions to come soon. Happy New Year everyone!!